Knock You Naked Bars

On an afternoon last week, I needed something simple yet indulgent to share with friends. The kind of day when the kitchen seems to call out for a treat that’s not just satisfying, but also a bit unexpected. That’s when I stumbled across the idea for these Knock You Naked Bars.

There’s an appeal to baking something that isn’t just sweet but has a bit of a wow factor – layers of gooey caramel, chocolate chips, and a rich cake-like base all nestled together. I remember thinking, this is the kind of recipe that makes people pause after their first bite, trying to figure out what just hit them.

I can’t think of a better way to satisfy a sweet tooth or share a piece of joy. Every bite feels like a small celebration, and the best part is that it’s so easy to pull together. No need for fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen—just a handful of ingredients and a little patience.

Short Description

Knock You Naked Bars are a rich, gooey dessert made with German chocolate cake mix, caramels, chocolate chips, and pecans. Easy to make, these bars are a crowd favorite and a delicious twist on a classic treat.

Key Ingredients

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• ⅓ cup evaporated milk (divided)
• ¾ cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 package caramels (14 oz, unwrapped)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Spoon for pressing dough
• Oven

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your bars will come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, half of the evaporated milk (about 2 tablespoons), and the melted butter. Stir until the mixture forms a thick, dough-like consistency.

Step 3: Layer and Bake
Press half of the dough into the bottom of your greased baking dish. The dough may be a bit sticky, but just use your hands or a spoon to spread it evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is slightly set.

Step 4: Caramel Layer
While the base is baking, melt the caramels with the remaining evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and the caramel has completely melted.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Once the base has baked and set, pour the smooth caramel mixture over it. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly across the caramel.

Step 6: Top Layer
Flatten pieces of the remaining dough and place them over the caramel and chocolate layers.

It’s okay if it doesn’t cover completely—the goal is to leave some of the caramel and chocolate exposed so they can shine through.

Step 7: Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. The top should be set and golden brown, and the caramel layer will be bubbling.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This lets the caramel firm up and makes slicing easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The combination of gooey caramel, semi-sweet chocolate, and crunchy pecans is irresistibly delicious.

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these bars come together quickly.

Versatile: Great for parties, holidays, or just a special treat for yourself!

Crowd-Pleaser: They’re always a hit at gatherings, and everyone will ask for the recipe.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dough Too Sticky: If your dough is too sticky to handle, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s workable.

Uneven Layering: Don’t worry if the dough doesn’t completely cover the caramel—leaving pockets of exposed caramel adds to the texture.

Overbaking: Keep an eye on the top layer so it doesn’t get too dark. If it’s golden brown, it’s done!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions:

Serve Warm: Knock You Naked Bars are especially delightful when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pair with Drinks: A rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk pairs perfectly with these indulgent bars.

Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or need a simple after-dinner dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To preserve the gooey texture, warm the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! While German chocolate cake mix adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with a regular chocolate or even a vanilla cake mix if you prefer.

2. What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts altogether.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be baked a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh.

4. Can I freeze Knock You Naked Bars?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

5. How do I make these bars extra gooey?
If you want them extra gooey, slightly underbake the top layer by 3-5 minutes and let them set longer before cutting.

Tips & Tricks

– For an even more indulgent twist, drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
– Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Recipe Variations

Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl peanut butter into the caramel mixture before layering. It adds a salty-sweet contrast that elevates the flavor.

Coconut Variation: Sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut over the chocolate chips and pecans for a tropical flavor boost.

Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and evaporated coconut milk, and swap the caramel for a dairy-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

Knock You Naked Bars are an irresistible dessert that brings a blend of indulgence and simplicity to any occasion. This recipe is so easy to follow, even beginners in the kitchen can whip it up without a hitch. And with endless variations to make it your own, you’ll always find a new way to enjoy it.

I’ve made this dessert countless times, and it’s always the first to disappear at any gathering. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these bars will quickly become a go-to favorite.